Scripture

And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

~Psalm 71:9, NLT

Quote

It is not that I have more patience as I grow older; it is that I am too tired to respond.

~Ya’akov

June and I went to Mobile last week for Soy’s COLS. I think in two days, we drove just over 700 miles. Eddie put us up in a four-star hotel which was very nice. Everything there was better than what we have here at 1120 except the bed: we do have a sleep number. We had intended to stop at a motel coming home just to break up the long trip but when we got in the truck at Richton, Mississippi, where Soy’s body was laid to rest, I told June, “buckle up, I am not stopping till I get home. I don’t want to unload the luggage until we get to 1120.” She said, “that is fine with me.” We stopped once for gas, rest rooms and a snack. There is a lot of difference between being 74 and 64, a lot. Ten years ago, that trip would have been a piece of cake. Some of you are going to think I am over using the hyperbole but I assure you I am telling you the absolute truth. I don’t want to go anywhere. June has always wanted to see NY city around Christmas. Joe David told her he was going to take her. She said, “I don’t want to go.” Why, because she is 74 years old.” You may wonder what difference that makes and I am here to tell you, it makes a huge difference.

I am an Alabama fan. My first game was at Legion Field when Southern Cal beat us like a red headed step child.  I don’t know how many games I have attended since but it is several. I wouldn’t go to an Alabama game if you bought the ticket, picked me up in a limo and put me in a sky box. I wouldn’t go if you med-flighted me. I don’t like crowds, I don’t like noise, I don’t like being away from home and I don’t want to go. Why? Because I am seventy-four. I might be willing to go to NY city when they are decorated for Christmas if you could beam me there like they do on Star Wars, but I ain’t getting on a jet, and I ‘m sure not riding there in a car. Why? Because I am seventy-four and I had rather be at home. Travel does not excite me, nor do Hotel rooms. If you have seen one interstate highway, you’ve seen them all. I know some of you are wanting to pass judgement on me but wait till you get to be seventy-four. I promise you; you will be much more understanding at seventy-four.

I hope you got at least one chuckle. My children will not I can assure you. I think we need a little jocularity. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. [Proverbs 17:22]

Extra

I must say I am very grateful for my family and friends. I do love the fellowship I have with God’s children, at Grace Point, Danville and the Pastor’s conference. I consider myself to be extremely blessed. Everyone has been so thoughtful and kind to June and I. The folks at Grand Bay treated us the same way. What a blessing to have Christian friends.

When I retired I said I would never attend another Associational Meeting and I don’t think I’ve missed one; maybe one. Spencer put me on the program last night. The singing was great but I am hearing impaired and didn’t get half of what the preacher said. When Ken retires or Spencer fires him, I am retiring too. Spencer is slick. He will be moderating the state convention meeting in a few years. The kid is sharp. He amazes me but he does need a real man’s hair cut. He needs that 13 week course they offer at Paris Island. Then he would be close to perfect. Who would buy a new suit for the Annual Meeting! He did look sharp and I know the folks at Mount Zion are proud of him.